Obtaining GI Bill® benefits

Columbia College is approved for enrollment certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance (GI Bill®) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Getting started

Main Campus or Online students: If you are a Main Campus (Day Campus or Evening Campus in Columbia, MO) or Online student select a category below to view step-by-step directions for obtaining benefits. Nationwide students should contact their local center. View the Nationwide location directory for contact information.

GI Bill® Chapter benefits

For additional information, including a comparison of the different benefit programs, visit http://gibill.va.gov.

GI Bill® FAQ

What chapter do I qualify for?

The Department of Veterans Affairs(DVA) makes all determinations for which an individual qualifies. To determine what chapter you qualify for, you must apply for educational benefits with the DVA.

How do I verify my enrollment?

Your enrollment can be verified starting on the last calendar
day of the month by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling the toll-free
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at (877) 823-2378. If you are receiving benefits under DEA (Chapter 35) or VEAP
(CHAPTER 32) you do NOT need to verify your attendance in this manner.

How can I obtain a copy of my DD 214 military record or other service record?

How many credits do I need to take to receive full-time benefits from the DVA?

I have a kicker. How do I utilize my kicker?

The DOD provides the DVA with kicker-eligibility information.
Because this information can be delayed, students with kickers can send the DVA
a copy of their kicker contract with their application for benefits to help
speed the payment of this additional benefit. Kicker contracts should not be
submitted to school-certifying officials.

Can I get an advance payment of my education benefits?

Columbia College does not participate in the Advance Payment
program.

Where can I find required forms?

All DVA Forms (including Application for Educational Benefits, 22-1990, and
Change of Program or Place of Training, 22-1995, DEA Application, 22-5490, and
DEA Change of Program or Place of Training, 22-5495,) may be found on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

What classes will the DVA pay for?

The Department of Veterans Affairs will only pay benefits for
enrollments that are required for you to make progress toward your educational
goal. Prior to certification the Certifying Official will verify that your
courses apply towards your degree program. Courses that are not required in your
major program cannot be certified.

Does Columbia College participate in the Work-Study Allowance Program?

Nationwide campus students should contact their local campus to check the
availability of the Work-Study Allowance Program.

What if I fail a class?

If you fail a class the VA does not automatically require
repayment.

The VA requires that you maintain academic progress.

If you fail a class the VA will pay for you to repeat the class one time.

If you fail a class due to lack of attendance your last date of attendance will
be reported to the VA.

The VA will not pay benefits for a class you did not attend.

Does Columbia College allow tuition deferment for students using VA education benefits?

Yes. Columbia College does allow students using VA education
benefits to defer tuition payment until the end of the term. Students should
contact their local campus for additional information.

I am eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33. If I drop a class what happens to the tuition funds the VA paid on my behalf?

If you drop a course prior to the start of the session, the
funds are returned to the VA.

If you drop a course after the session has started, the funds are returned to
you. The VA will recoup the funds directly from you.

I am eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33. How will this affect other forms of tuition-only funding I am also entitled to receive?

The regulations of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance
Improvement Act of 2010 require the school to certify only the net cost when
reporting tuition and fees for Chapter 33. Net cost is defined by the VA as the
remaining tuition balance after the application of any waiver of, or reduction
in, tuition and fees; any scholarship, or other Federal, State, institutional,
or employer-based aid or assistance (excluding loans and Title IV aid) that is
provided directly to the institution and specifically designated for the sole
purpose of defraying tuition and fees.

To help you understand how this will affect you, please review Net Cost Q&A.

I still have questions. Who do I contact?

Main campus (Day Campus and Evening Campus in Columbia, MO) and Online Campus students should contact a Veterans Certifying Official at (573) 875-7504, or (800) 231-2391, ext. 7504, or e-mail vacert@ccis.edu.